[esskay]

Not sure they'd need to go as far as removing the IFE completely, but a vastly more simple and cheap system could be used instead.

Airlines still rely on those massive clunky boxes under each seat, plus a server rack which adds a fair bit of weight.

Swapping to an all-in-one system - essentially a smart tv built into each monitor that just provides a browser and basic apps for major streaming services would reduce the overall weight of the plane, fix the annoyance of that big box where your legs are supposed to go, and provide entertainment on board.

There's also the costs that airlines normally have for licensing content - those would go away completely if everyone can just log into their own netflix or prime account.

[ericraio]

My comment was just a quick idea and what you wrote is well put!